Kauai panel rejects changes to petition laws

LIHUE » A Kauai commission is rejecting two proposals to change how many petition signatures are needed to put public measures to a vote.

The Garden Island reported Tuesday that the County of Kauai Charter Review Commission voted down two proposed amendments that would have evened out the signatures needed for referendums, initiatives and charter amendments.

Right now petitions signed by 20 percent of registered voters are required for referendums and initiatives, while charter amendment proposals require signatures from 5 percent of voters. One proposal would have reduced the votes required on referendums and initiatives to 5 percent. A separate proposal would have required charter amendment proposals to obtain signatures from 20 percent of voters.

The commission was evenly split on both proposals.

Repairs to close visitors center for 3 months

KIHEI, MAUI » A National Wildlife Refuge visitors center on Maui is closing for a few months to address mechanical problems.

The Kealia Pond visitors center in Kihei is expected to be closed through September. The refuge says problems with the ventilation and air conditioning system are making the building uninhabitable.

The refuge will remain open for wildlife observation from 8 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. Visitors may access the bird viewing area to observe Hawaiian wetland birds and nesting Hawaiian stilts and coots.

The Kealia Coastal Boardwalk is also open and accessible seven days a week from sunrise until 7 p.m.